The New Zealand king shag, also known as the rough-faced shag, king shag or kawau pāteketeke, is a rare bird endemic to New Zealand. Some taxonomic authorities, including the International Ornithologists' Union, place this species in the genus Leucocarbo. Others place it in the genus Phalacrocorax.
Region
Northern South Island, New Zealand
Typical Environment
Occurs almost exclusively around the outer Marlborough Sounds, breeding on a few offshore rock stacks and islets. Birds roost and nest on exposed rocky ledges and low vegetated headlands with ready access to deep channels. They forage over adjacent coastal waters, especially tidal rips, kelp beds, and sandy or muddy seafloor. At sea they remain close to breeding sites, typically within tens of kilometers. Human disturbance and changes in water clarity can affect their local use of sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the rough-faced shag, it is one of New Zealand’s rarest seabirds, restricted to a handful of colonies in the Marlborough Sounds. Its fleshy orange-yellow facial caruncles and bright blue eye-ring during breeding make it instantly recognizable among shags. It forages by deep, powerful dives to the seafloor and is highly sensitive to disturbance at nesting sites.
Watercolour by Georg Forster who accompanied James Cook on his second voyage
Male New Zealand king shag from the collection of Auckland Museum
Temperament
colonial but wary of disturbance
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight low over water with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Nests in small, tight colonies on isolated rock stacks, with pairs reusing sites for many seasons. Generally monogamous, both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Nest is a low mound of seaweed and grasses cemented with guano. Breeding can occur year-round with seasonal peaks, and colonies are highly sensitive to human approach.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Typically quiet at sea, but at colonies emits low grunts, croaks, and hisses during pair interactions and territorial disputes. Vocalizations are harsh and guttural rather than melodic.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts contrasting with clean white underparts; plumage is sleek and tightly packed, typical of diving shags.
Diet
Primarily benthic fishes, including small flatfish and other demersal species, supplemented by crustaceans and occasional cephalopods. It is a pursuit diver that propels itself underwater with powerful kicks and partially spread wings. Foraging dives are often deep and targeted to the seafloor, with birds bringing prey to the surface to swallow. Individuals tend to forage alone or in small loose groups.
Preferred Environment
Clear coastal waters with strong tidal flows, rocky reefs, kelp beds, and nearby sandy or muddy bottoms. Foraging typically occurs within close range of breeding and roosting sites, especially in channels and headlands of the outer Sounds.
